“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

Recently my friend Debbie presented me with a gift box created by a loving group of women I had been privileged to serve alongside for many years. Layered between crisp sheets of tissue paper was a towering stack of cards and letters, each encased in its own colorful envelope.

I took my time unsealing each one and for days savored my friends’ gracious words, their insights into what God had accomplished among us and their appreciation for my part in it. In reading these handwritten notes, I felt as if I had stumbled upon a treasure chest of riches created to fill my heart to the very brim with a feeling that came close to being indescribable.

How very foolish I would have been to leave that box of notes untouched, to admire the pretty exterior and then put it on a shelf unopened. What loving thoughts and deep joy I would have missed had not taken the time to read all those meaningful words from friends whom I cherished.

I wonder sometimes what great love and joy and wisdom God wants to present to us, but instead our Bibles sit on nightstands or coffee tables unopened because we are so busy serving him, helping others, and doing important stuff.

What loving words have we missed out on because we made the choice that day to be about our business with little regard for him?

We are usually eager for God “to give ear to my words…consider my groaning…give attention to the sound of my cry…hear my voice” (Psalm 5:1-3), but are far less prone to make the time to hear his voice in ours ears, to savor the richness of his Word, to sit still long enough for him to share his heart with us.

At our fingertips throughout the day we are centimeters away from Bible apps on our phones. In most of our homes, Bibles serve a decorative purpose nestled among our things.

Oh God of heaven, would you develop in us a ravenous appetite for your Word that causes us to feast on its goodness and apply it to all areas of our lives. May we simply never get over the wonder and the beauty and the power of your written notes to us.

Elizabeth A Mitchell

Photo Credit: Suzy Hazlewood on Pexels